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- Manchester City Coach, Pep Guardiola, has publicly questioned CAF’s decision to award Morocco the 2025 AFCON title
- Guardiola described the decision as “a surprise” and suggested it lacked transparency
- He also addressed squad dynamics, stating players are free to feel however they wish but must perform
The Manchester City Coach, Pep Guardiola, has expressed shock over the Confederation of African Football’s decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco national football team, raising concerns about transparency in football governance.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) made the ruling after its appeal board determined that Senegal national football team had forfeited the final following a successful protest lodged by the Moroccan Football Federation.
Reacting to the development, Guardiola questioned the lack of openness surrounding the decision.
According to a post by Fabrizio Romano on X (formerly Twitter), the Manchester City manager said:
“Pep Guardiola on AFCON verdict: “It’s a surprise! I don’t know the reason… but it’s a decision made behind-the-scenes.
“What happens everywhere is what we see, it’s not happened, it always happens behind the scenes and you don’t see their faces.”
His remarks echo wider concerns within the global football community about the credibility and transparency of decisions in major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations.
Guardiola spoke ahead of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final clash against Arsenal F.C., where he also confirmed a key selection decision.
The City boss revealed that second-choice goalkeeper James Trafford would start in goal as the team pushes to secure its first trophy of the season.
He said, “James Trafford will start in goal for Man City against Arsenal in the final, says Pep Guardiola.
“His comments? No problem. Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is. Be here, do the best he can do, and after we’ll see what happens at the end of the season.”